Love In Rehab

Chapter 3

Taraji woke up that morning feeling a little lighter, a little more excited than usual. The soft light filtering through the rehab center's small window warmed her face as she stretched in bed, the memory of yesterday's crafting class playing in her mind. She had worked late into the evening to finish her project for Kyle—something she knew would make him laugh and maybe even tear up a bit. Today was a special day for him, not just because it was his birthday, but because it marked six years of being sober. A huge milestone.

As she got dressed, her mind buzzed with excitement. She and Gabby had planned a surprise party for Kyle later that afternoon, and Taraji couldn't wait to see his reaction. But first, she had to meet him in the cafeteria for breakfast and give him his gift.

She grabbed the small box from her nightstand, carefully tucked it into her hoodie pocket, and made her way out of the room. The familiar buzz of the center's morning routine greeted her as she walked down the hallway, patients and staff shuffling to and fro, starting their day. Taraji smiled to herself, already imagining Kyle's reaction to the gift.

When she entered the cafeteria, she spotted Kyle and Gabby sitting at their usual table near the back, chatting and sipping on their coffees. Kyle, with his usual flair, was dressed in a brightly colored hoodie, his wild curls barely contained by a beanie. He was grinning ear to ear, probably already in celebration mode. Gabby caught Taraji's eye and waved her over.

"Look who's finally here!" Kyle exclaimed as soon as he saw Taraji approaching. "Miss Thing herself."

Taraji rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile. "You know I had to make an entrance."

Kyle stuck his tongue out playfully, flipping his hair back. "As you should, honey. It's a bad bitch's birthday, after all."

Taraji laughed, plopping down next to him at the table. "You know it!" she said, reaching into her pocket to pull out the small box. "And I got something for the birthday bitch."

Kyle's eyes lit up as she handed him the gift. "Oh my God, what is it?" he gasped, bouncing in his seat like an excited kid. He tore into the wrapping paper, revealing a custom-made bracelet with his sobriety date engraved on it. The letters were simple but bold, and the little charm hanging from it was a tiny microphone, a nod to their shared love of music.

Kyle's jaw dropped, his hand going to his chest in dramatic fashion. "Taraji! Girl, this is amazing!" He slipped it on immediately, admiring it on his wrist. "This is literally the best gift ever!"

Taraji grinned, feeling a sense of pride. "I made it in crafting class yesterday. Thought it was perfect for your six-year mark."

Kyle stood up from his chair, holding his wrist out like he was showing off the hottest accessory on the runway. "Look at me! I'm six years sober and fabulous!"

Gabby clapped her hands together, giggling. "You really are, Kyle. I'm so proud of you."

"And not only am I six years sober," Kyle added, "but I'm also the baddest bitch in here!" He stuck his tongue out again and started twerking in his seat, making both Taraji and Gabby burst into laughter.

"Owwww! You know it!" Taraji cheered, joining in the playful energy.

Kyle finally stopped his ridiculous twerking and sat back down, wiping fake tears from his eyes. "Seriously though, T, thank you. This means a lot to me. You've always known how to make a girl feel special."

Taraji waved him off, though her heart warmed at his words. "You deserve it, Kyle. You've been through so much, and you're still standing. We all are."

Kyle smiled, this time more sincerely. "Yeah, we are. And we've got each other. That's what matters."